Pronunciations

Definitions

  • n. A long, linen sash used by Jews of German origin to bind the Sefer Torah.

Example Sentences

  • "Most people bind the sefer Torah (after gelila) with a sort of velvet thing with a clasp. Yekkes use a wimpel instead. (Under the mantel.)" (source)

Languages of Origin

  • Yiddish

Etymology

  • Western Yiddish װימפּל vimpl, cognate of German "cloth," derived from Old German, bewimfen, meaning "to cover up" or "conceal"

    • Who Uses This

      • Older: Jews who are middle-aged and older
      • Ashkenazim: Jews with Ashkenazi heritage

      Regions

      • North America
      • Great Britain

      Dictionaries

      • The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words, by Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic, (Philadelphia, 2001).

      Alternative Spellings

      vimpel

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